This 9-day journey explores the northern Ecuadorian Andes and its extraordinary inter-Andean cloud forests, combining cultural immersion, scenic landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
The program is designed for travelers seeking a balanced experience of nature and culture, featuring historic cities, indigenous traditions, high-Andean páramo ecosystems, and some of Ecuador’s most biodiverse cloud forests. Guided by expert local guides, participants experience bird-rich reserves, traditional markets, conservation areas, and community-based activities.
This trip will take you to know the northern part of the Ecuadorian Andes, and an extraordinary visit to the inter-Andean cloud forests. On this trip you will learn more about the culture and traditions that surround Ecuador, and the extraordinary and beautiful nature of its natural landscapes.
Arrive at the International Airport, Quito. Most flights arrive in the evening. Transfer to a hotel in Quito. Accommodation.
This trip will take you through great scenery in the Ecuadorian High Andes. The roads ascend to the foothills of Pichincha Volcano. Afterwards, a city tour through the beautiful capital of Ecuador, Quito. The altitudinal range goes from 3200 to 4400m.
Yanacocha is about 1 hour by car from the city of Quito, on the northern slopes of Pichincha volcano. To reach the reserve, we will take the old road to Nono or “Ecoruta Paseo del Quinde”.
You will leave Quito early at 5:30 AM to Yanacocha reserve, where some hummingbird feeders have been placed in the surroundings. Tawny antpitta and Equatorial Antpitta are seen regularly in the area.
You’ll hike through the flat and easy-access Inca trail that extends for about 2 km through the stunning lush montane humid forest, with flocks of birds being regularly encountered. Several stations with multiple hummingbird feeders are situated at various spots. There are mixed flocks of beautiful birds such as Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Golden crowned Tanager, Superciliated Hemispingus.
A traditional lunch will be served at the reserve restaurant; later on, you’ll continue your drive back to Quito towards historical downtown.
This tour takes us to the old colonial town where we will travel to a time in which people used to meet around plazas and walked through narrow streets.
You will visit one of the natural viewpoints of the city from where we will admire Colonial Quito from a privileged point: Panecillo with the winged virgin, Itchimbia hill or the towers of Basilica Church.
We will continue after to the Historical Center of Quito where we will admire the colonial architecture of old Quito with its churches, plazas and houses. We will walk around Plaza Grande (Independence square), the Jesuit church «La Compañia», one of the oldest neighborhoods of old Quito «La Ronda» and Plaza San Francisco and its Church. (visits will be done according to time available and interest of the clients), to finally return to rest. Dinner and accommodation. (BLD)
On this fourth day where we will visit Otavalo and Cotacachi, a unique experience that will take you to explore two of the most popular tourist destinations in Ecuador in one day. This tour begins in the beautiful city of Quito, where our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or designated meeting point. From there, we will travel by private vehicle to the city of Otavalo, located about 100 kilometers north of Quito.
On the way to Otavalo, you will enjoy impressive Andean landscapes and have the opportunity to observe the majestic Cotopaxi and Cayambe volcanoes. We will arrive in Otavalo, a city known for its indigenous market and its vibrant culture. Here, you will have free time to explore the market and shop for traditional handicrafts such as weaving, pottery, and silver jewelry.
After the visit to the market, we will continue our tour to Cotacachi, a small town famous for its leather goods. You will have the opportunity to visit local workshops where you can see how leather goods are produced and, if you wish, buy some handmade pieces.
Finally, we will return to Quito, where our tour guide will drop you off at your hotel or another designated meeting point. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the local culture and crafts of the region in a full day of exploration.
Join us on this exciting adventure from Otavalo and Cotacachi and discover the best of the Andean region of Ecuador! Dinner and accommodation. (BLD)
This fourth day of tour, you will be able to explore the natural beauty of the Chcó tropical humid forest region! This two-day, one-night tour will take you to discover some of Ecuador’s most impressive natural gems.
To begin, we will depart from Quito to go to the viewpoint of the Río Blanco. From there, you will have a breathtaking view of the natural beauty of the area. You will enjoy a walk through the trails of the cloud forest that surrounds the viewpoint, while your guide takes you to discover the native flora and fauna of the region.
Then, we will continue our journey to the Canadé reserve, where we will spend the night at the Chocó Lodge. The lodge is located in the heart of the reserve, in the tropical humid forest of Chocó, which will allow you to experience life in the midst of nature. Accommodation is comfortable and welcoming, with rooms equipped with all modern conveniences.
On the fifth day of the tour, you will be able to enjoy a walk through the trails of the reserve, guided by local experts, to discover the biodiversity of the region. You will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of bird, insect and mammal species, as well as the impressive tropical vegetation of the reserve.
After an exciting morning in the Canadé reserve, we will return to Quito, full of unforgettable memories and a unique experience in Ecuadorian nature.
Don’t miss the opportunity to live this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Reserve your spot on our tour to discover the natural beauty of the Chocó region today.Dinner and accommodation. (BLD)
During our tour on the sixth day, an experience will be lived in the Canandé reserve and Sachatamia Lodge!
The tour will begin in the Canandé reserve, where after enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head to Sachatamia Lodge, located in a beautiful forested area. Along the way, your tour guide will provide information on the local flora and fauna.
Arriving at Sachatamia Lodge, you will be able to enjoy a variety of nature activities, such as hiking through the forest trails, bird watching, biking, horseback riding and many more, all depending on your preferences. In addition, you can enjoy nature from the comfort of a hammock or the jacuzzi in the garden of the lodge.During lunch, delicious typical dishes of the region prepared with fresh and local ingredients will be served.
After an exciting afternoon, we will head to our accommodation at Sachatamia Lodge to rest and spend the night in a cozy room with all modern comforts. The next day, after a nutritious breakfast, you can enjoy more nature activities before heading back to Quito. Dinner and accommodation. (BLD)
In this exciting seventh day of tour in the Mindo area and the Mitad del Mundo in Quito! This tour will take you to discover some of Mindo’s most impressive natural jewels, as well as one of the most emblematic points of the Mitad del Mundo.
The tour will begin at Sachatamia Lodge, where after enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head to Mindo, a beautiful town surrounded by exuberant vegetation. There, you will be able to enjoy a variety of activities, such as visiting the famous butterfly farm, bird watching, hiking through the cloud forest trails and many more, all depending on your preferences.
After an exciting morning in Mindo, we will continue our journey to the Mitad del Mundo, an emblematic place that marks the equator line that divides the world into two hemispheres. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as visiting the museum, taking a fun photo at the equator, or even participating in science experiments to test gravity on the equator.
After enjoying the wonders of the Middle of the World, we will go to Quito, where we will spend the night in a comfortable and cozy hotel with all modern amenities. Dinner and accommodation. (BLD)
This trip will take you through a great scenery in the Ecuadorian High Andes. The roads will border one national protected area Antisana National Park and Fundación Jocotoco’s Chakana Reserve therefore the scenery is amazing. The altitudinal range covered is over 3600 to 4100 masl. We spend the entire day in the area, watching for Andean Condors that should be easy and other beautiful birds, even for Spectacled Bears, with a traditional lunch at a small “refugio” Casa Antisanilla inside the reserve with a magnifiscent view of the Andes; back to Hotel in Quito in late afternoon.
Leave Quito early at 7:00 AM after breakfast. Then we continue to Tambo Condor to use bathrooms and take a cup of coffee. There we can enjoy the hummingbird feeders where we can see the Giant Hummingbird and the astonishing Ecuadorian Hillstar. Then, we continue to the strategical located gazed of Chakana reserve where we can look for the Andean Condor nests and the Spectacled bear who used to walk around the “Peñón del Ishco” that is just in front of the Porch. We can also see some other species such as the endemic Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk.
In Chakana you will live a unique experience with the Andean cowboys from Pintag, on a horseback ride through the Andean paramo, traveling for a couple of hours through the majestic peaks and the volcanic lava flow, which has formed large rock sedimentations that are thousands of years old.
You can make a walk around the paramo to enjoy the sights, landscapes and native flora. We will have a delicious traditional lunch at Casa Antisanilla. In the afternoon, return to Quito. Dinner and accommodation. (BLD)
Airport transfer according to international flight schedules. End of services.
